D.C. is a long way from New Orleans, but that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t know how to party for Mardi Gras. Enjoy Fat Tuesday this year around the District with these Mardi Gras parties and events.
Where to party all weekend long
Crimson is kicking off the celebrations early with parties all weekend long. On both Friday and Saturday, there will be live DJ sets, and Cruzan rum and Courvoisier cognac will available to mix into an extensive list of cocktails. While you’re sipping on New Orleans classic drinks such as Sazerac, dine on fried oysters, po’boys, gumbo, catfish, and more. (Crimson, Friday 10:30 p.m.-close, Saturday 9 p.m.-close, free entry)
Where to find all-you-can-eat NOLA fare
Party all night long with this third annual indoor blowout party in honor of Mardi Gras. Attendees include native New Orleans chef David Gaus of Bayou Bakery and celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn of Good Stuff Eatery and We the Pizza. For the price of a ticket, you’ll have access to “all you can eat, drink, and dance,” with bands performing Louisiana music and D.C. mixologists serving up cocktails. (The Showroom, Tuesday, 6 p.m.-10 p.m., $55)
Where to celebrate with kids
Join Capitol Cider House for a day of family-friendly fun. Kids get to enjoy face painting, balloon animals, and festive crafts, and there will be a parade featuring a Cider House mardi gras float, so get ready to catch some beads! Adults can expect happy hour specials, including $5 pours and $3 off flights of cider. The event is free, but be sure to RSVP ahead of time. (Capitol Cider House, Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., free entry)
Where to find a Mardi Gras parade
The Wharf is throwing an all-day bash for Mardi Gras on Saturday. The neighborhood’s businesses—and the Washington Nationals—have designed floats for a parade that kicks off at 3 p.m., featuring stilt walkers, Batalá drumming, the Eastern High School Marching Band, and dancers. Pearl Street Warehouse is offering a free performance from NOLA-inspired band The Grandsons. The day ends with fireworks at 5:45 p.m. (The Wharf, Saturday, 2 p.m., free entry)
Where to find a New Orleans feast and plenty of hurricanes
If you’re looking for a party this Saturday, City Tavern Club has you covered. Their ticketed event covers three drink tickets, hors d’oeuvres, beads, and masks. The menu includes jambalaya, hush puppies, gumbo, king cake, and beignets, and hurricane cocktails are the specialty of the night. (City Tavern Club, Saturday, 8 p.m.-12 a.m,. $70)
Where to celebrate Mardi Gras and women-owned businesses
Brookland’s Finest is combining two of this month’s holidays—Mardi Gras and women’s history month—into one special dinner. Tuesday’s three-course dinner menu includes New Orleans-inspired items from locals Republic Restoratives and Moorenko’s. Expect cornmeal-crusted frog legs, sazerac cocktails, and beignets. (Brookland’s Finest, Tuesday, $35)
